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Kayaking & Canoeing Virginia’s Waterways

Virginia has everything from leisurely float-worthy waterways all the way up to pretty serious whitewater. For the novice paddler, an outfitter is the way to get your feet wet in the world of adventure watersports, and a great way to explore the waters that are new to you.

The Smith River through Henry County offers a six-mile stretch that is pretty flat, making it a great place to kayak and admire the natural beauty and wildlife Virginia has to offer. Bald eagles and osprey have been noted along the river! Rent a kayak or a canoe for the day from Smith River Outfitters in Martinsville. Novice paddlers can add a guide to their trip.

Take a kayak out for two hours or two days when you create a sea kayaking adventure with Southeast Expeditions in Cape Charles.

RIVER PADDLES & FLOATS

Kayaking on the New River in Pembroke.

Canoeing is perhaps your best intro to paddlesports, and Massanutten Adventures offers a seven-mile Shenandoah River canoe trip. It’s mostly flat water and is a fairly easy two to three hour float that will make you eager to book your next experience. Available spring, summer and early fall.

The renowned New River in the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia offers trips from 2.5 miles to 8.5-miles, overnighting. You can encounter a relaxing four-mile stretch up to quite a few strong class II rapids, should you choose. The rates are great with New River Outdoor Co. in Pembroke. Introductory paddling instructions are provided for novice adventurers. Available spring, summer and early fall.

The latest craze on the water? Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Take a paddleboard lesson on the James River with Riverside Outfitters in Richmond. A paddleboard is basically an oversized surfboard and not something you see on the river so much as the coastal inlets around Virginia Beach. The main goal of the lesson? Learn how to gracefully wipe out while enjoying the river scenes above the typical canoe viewpoint. Available year ’round.

WHITEWATER

Whitewater Rafting on the James River in Richmond.

One month each year the Russel Fork River roars with class V and larger rapids when the John Flannagan Dam releases water. The dam is opened each Saturday and Sunday during October, sending amazing gushes of water through Breaks Interstate Park. One particular 75-foot stretch is known as “El Horrendo” and is considered one of the most difficult whitewater areas in the East. Contact the park for outfitter recommendations.

Did you know that Richmond is the only city with class IV rapids within its city limits? Yep, the James River courses right through at a brutal pace, but families and beginning whitewaterers can easily learn to tame the Upper James River section with its class I-II rapids. The Lower James River section is comprised of class I-IV rapids. Depending on the trip you choose, rafters must be at least 8 years old and know how to swim. Guided trips are available with the aforementioned Riverside Outfitters.

Now that your appetite for getting wet is whet, plan your outdoor water adventure. Your experience is only limited by your imagination and thirst for awesomeness.